Apple launches software to ease remote administration and control of desktop machines

Apple has introduced software to make it easier to control Mac systems across a company network. The move is another step that could make Mac systems more attractive to businesses, which have largely standardised on Windows-based PCs.

Apple Remote Desktop 3, available immediately, enables IT staff to automate installation of applications, provide remote assistance, audit hardware and software on client systems, and automate routine management tasks.

The tool builds on the new features of Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger", such as the Spotlight search technology, Dashboard and Automator, Apple said. For example, it lets administrators perform Remote Spotlight searches on client systems running OS X 10.4. "With Apple Remote Desktop 3, we've delivered powerful innovations that make it even easier and more affordable to manage Macs," commented Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

To ease the rollout of applications, Apple Remote Desktop 3 features an AutoInstall tool that enables packages to be staged on a Task Server on the LAN, then deployed to clients according to a schedule or when they connect to the network.

The tool also allows an administrator to take remote control of a client system using screen-sharing, with the added ability to blank the client's local display while admin tasks are carried out. Another new feature is the ability to drag and drop files between the local and host systems.

Apple Remote Desktop 3 is a Universal OS X application, meaning it runs natively on both Intel-based Macs and older Mac hardware. The system costs £199 for departments managing up to 10 systems, or £349 to manage an unlimited number of systems. Although designed to take advantage of OS X 10.4, the tool will support systems with 10.3 and above, Apple said.